Update DWS Conti tires, 20s, 6" snow.

[SlickGT1]

So yesterday we got about 6" locally. I took the car for a spin. The DWS are on my 20" rims. 315s in the back. Car had absolutely no issues at all in the snow. I definitely do not see a need for snow tires unless it gets deeper. Not sure how much deeper, but I will find the limit eventually, and only then put my snows on.

I drove about 30 miles. From road slush, to complete cluster mess. Today drove on frozen piles, and whatever wasn't pushed to the side. Passed a few people through snow.

Don't think the car is a tank and not affected by the snow. As long as you drive cautious, there are no issues at all. The tires grip good enough not to engage ABS. Half throttle bursts out of snow, does not even turn on traction. The car just takes off. For those with 4.8is, know that half throttle is no granny take off. I did a few full throttle take offs with traction on, and it is still quite violent, but you get some slip. Traction off, full throttle can make your car slide sideways. So didn't experiment with that after one attempt.

If you are aggressive, make sure you adjust your stopping distance, because in the snow/slush/ice mix, ABS kicks in, and the stopping distance increases, a lot.

I was able to drift through quite a few intersections. It is quite impressive how you can stay on the throttle, and the fronts seem to pull you out into the direction of your steering. Very impressive, again, don't forget, 20" rims, traction off for this type of fun.

I had a lot of fun, considering the last two weeks were miserable after Sandy, oh and the fact that I am now totally screwed, and have to make a trip out to NJ to find gas for my cars.

So recap: 6" of snow is nothing for Conti DWS tires, even 275 and 315 tires. I see no point in putting on snows for anything less.

Ninja edit, lol, not, I made a mistake. I have 275 in front, not 285.

[theblue]

in my experience, snow tires are most valuable on ice.

[Qsilver7]

That's a great endorsement for the Conti's especially in areas that don't get a lot of snow...or if you get caught in an early snow/ice storm prior to swapping.

The AWD system is going to already be a benefit for this vehicle...but dedicated snow tires will also not just benefit traction for accelerating etc...but it will also benefit (decrease) stopping distance as well as help with turning.

It still may be worth mounting your dedicated winter tires (if you have some) because of the stopping/turning benefits...sometimes its not our driving that is the issue...but the other crazy drivers out there. You may need to do a quick maneuver that includes braking/swerving/turning/accelerating to get out of harms way...and the rubber compound and other features of a dedicated snow tire might be what saves your bacon.

Just a thought...but again, thanks for the testimonial about the Contis...it definitely puts them on my "tires with potential" list for 20" tire upgrade.

[Roadkill]

Awesome write up Slick. Just put the same tires on my 4.8is and am looking forward to the Tahoe snow this year.

[Cisc0]

Have had mine for nearly 2 years now in NYC and not a complaint yet (except for how quickly these suckers sell out). I have drove through rain, slush, snow, ice and mud and they just keep on trucking. Only difference between you and I sir, I have 275's up front, but same cup of tea.

[vkalx5]

Too bad they don't carry 285 45 19 for the 4.4 sport

[fmugur]

In the last six years I have been using the staggered 275/315 in the winter here at North Pole
I had great experience with the DWS Conti comparing with Micheline. This year I just got new nitto motivo for a change and I am hoping to have the same good experience. But the roads get cleaned or they they use gravel.
I know it's better with winter tires but caution plays a role no matter what tires you use.

[SlickGT1]

theblue, I agree to an extent. Deep enough, and your tires have to dig in.

Qsilver7, yea last year we didn't get much snow, but you would be surprised how much we do get when it really gets going. Don't even get me started on how excellent our city responds to every borough other than Manhattan during a blizzard.

Dinan, you going to be surprised how well they perform. I know I am.

Cisco, agree with you. I had a tough ass time getting a set as well.

fmugur, I agree. Without caution, it won't matter if you are on snow or all season.

My point for this thread is to keep you guys updated. People always ask for a good tire recommendation. I have nothing to gain by writing this. As a matter of fact probably shoot us DWS lovers in the foot, as they are hard enough to get without promoting them.

I have a dedicated set of 18s with snows on them. I will only put them on when my X can't make it up my 35 degree driveway. If it starts slipping, I will pull back in, and put on the snows.

[PetrieJ]

I think the X5 was made for fun in the snow! Especially the 4.8is. Now if only we got some of it in the Bay Area...

[TwinTurboGTR]

Yeah, we got 13" here in Keyport this morning. Moving the cars around last night, there was about 7" on the ground. Not going to lie, my X with the Conti DWS's actually had a bit of a time finding traction. The DSC light came on several times. I mean, WAY better then Michy or Bridgestone... but was actually a little surprised. I expected a little bit more, but you know what, it still did just fine and I have no problem endorsing the DWS's for excellent value and traction. Driving this morning on unplowed NJ Parkway and I-78, the X did 55mph without a problem and stopping on snowpack was still very good.

I think I expected a bit more because the 4.4 had them wrapped around the X, but on 18's not 20's. So tire diameter and width does make a difference. When I had them on the 4.4, they were excellent! Ran them through fresh 18" snow in 2010(Got caught in an early snow) and they got me through no problem.

I just wish I mounted the Blizzaks on my 18's and threw them on. I am anxious to test them out.